Wildlife
The WCML is surrounded by national forest and large tracts of relatively undeveloped private property; we are, in fact, in the wilderness. The flora and fauna on the property is reflective of this, and of the fact that we are nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. Our larger mammals include deer, bear, bobcat, raccoon, squirrels, and the occasional coyote. We have numerous bird species, including a population of Dark-eyed Junco that doesn't migrate; a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including a uniquely large representation of salamanders; many insect species, some unique plant and tree species, and the occasional visiting osprey and eagle.
Because of reasons not yet confirmed (we believe it has to do with our elevation and stark difference from the surrounding lower elevations), there are a couple of noteworthy flora and fauna phenomena on this mountaintop: we have no waterfowl in the lake; there is no poison ivy in our neck of the woods; no water snakes live in the lake, and there are few (if any) mosquitoes and ticks! Come to the WCML Visitors Center to learn more about this unique environment and its inhabitants.